Together we are restoring the
birdsong of Waitohi Picton
A sanctuary in the hills. A community on the ground. One shared effort to protect our native wildlife and bring dawn chorus back.
Tōtaranui Queen Charlotte Sound had what was once described by Joseph Banks (Botanist to Captain James Cook), as the most melodious wild music he had ever heard. Sadly, as with many New Zealand forests, the hills surrounding the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds have fallen silent.Due to extensive de-forestation and the apetites of introduced predators, half of New Zealands native bird population is now gone. The Waitohi Picton community decided to to take action. Picton Dawn Chorus was established in 2016 to protect and restore local native birdlife and their habitats.
Picton Dawn Chorus is a community led conservation project working to protect and enhance our native plants and animals whilst protecting Kaipūpū Sanctuary – a pest free mainland island in Picton Harbour.
VOLUNTEER
Picton Dawn Chorus is a committed and enthusiastic community, where people of all ages celebrate flourishing native flora and fauna in the Waitohi rohe (area).
Volunteers are vital to our mission. There are lots of different ways in which you can be involved as a volunteer – from checking traps, weeding, planting, or taking part in one of our working groups. Experience is not necessary as full training is provided.
Why it Matters
78% of NZ land birds are threatened or at risk of extinction
Doing nothing to help is not an option.
1 in 25 Picton residents volunteer with PDC and Kaipupu.
This is the highest number of volunteers per head of population in any place in NZ.
Grounded in Community
We are a community led conservation charity, set up by a group of passionate residents with the vision of re-wilding Kaipūpū Sanctuary and Waitohi Picton.
Thanks to the community of Waitohi Picton there has been meaningful and productive action to restore wildlife in the region. In just the first 5 years of operation Picton Dawn Chorus empowered over 600 homes to trap predators in their back yard as well as mobilise up to 165 volunteers. Will you join us?